Pura Vida

Hello everyone!

I think my post is a little overdue! It has been a crazy, exciting, BUSY! past couple of days!

Wednesday morning I left bright and early. I was anxious. I was ready to get to Costa Rica, see the school, meet my students, and get going...but I was sad to say goodbye to my brother and sister, and friends. Luckily, my parents are the overprotective type, so they came with me to help me get situated. We landed in San Jose around 130 Wednesday, and rented a car and started on our way towards Jaco.

The ride was pretty! And long. haha. Costa Rica is beautiful though. Everything is SO colorful! It's absouletly amazing. We are staying in Playa Hermosa, which is the town right past Jaco. Wednesday night after dinner, my dad decided we should go and find the school. WELL! That turned into an adventure. The school that I'm working at, Las Nubes, is a private school, in a "gated community." So after the guard let us in to look at the school, he then went to the house next to the school and told the principal we were there. I was NOT expecting this! But she was so welcoming and told me how the students have been waiting for me. We sat and talked with her for awhile, she showed us the school, and then asked me if I would be there Thursday morning at 730? Oh, of course! Talk about being thrown right in. :)

For those of you who know me pretty well, know that I am pretty ridiculous when I get nervous. Thursday morning was pretty ridiculous. :) Once I got to the school, I was greeted by the high school principal and she took me to my class. She quickly explained that my students have had a sub for the past couple of weeks but to just look at the notes and I should be able to figure out what to do. REALY?!?! My students get to school around 8, so I had all of 15 minutes to get things ready. Then my students came. I have five students. ALL BOYS! Guillermo, Andre, Richard, James, and Patrick. They are perfect. I could not have asked for a better group of students. They were so helpful. I also met a lot of the other teachers, who are all very welcoming and kind! There are some girls from the States, and rest are "ticos or ticas" which means locals.

I made it through Thursday. It was a whirlwind and I don't remember a lot of it. But I made it through! Friday was a lot better. I had a plan! (I love plans. :)) I decided to take the day to do "ice breakers" and different, fun activities to get to know my students.. with some work mixed in. I am teaching English, math & science, and another teacher comes in for Estudious Sociales (social studies) and spanish. Well, she seems nice, but she doesn't speak a word of English. I am so lucky that I "clicked" with my students...they translated everything I did not understand. :) I've only been here a few days but I'm already picking up more spanish.

After school on Friday, I went and looked at some of the apartments that my parents had found while I was at work. Cross your fingers that if everything works out, I will have a place to live by Sunday. I've learned that a lot of things here are word of mouth, and people are very trusting. (So far) sooo I hope that it all works out. :)

Overall, I'm loving every second of this. Just about everything is different than what I'm used to..but in such a good different way! I feel very blessed to be here, and I know God has put me exactly where He needs me to be.

Today we are going to Manuel Antonio so my papa can see some monkeys! He is pretty excited, and so am I. I am so lucky (and thankful) to have such loving, supporting, caring parents. Having there here has made this a lot easier. I love them so much and would be lost without them. I will be sad to see them leave Tuesday, but for now I will enjoy the time I have with them.

With that being said, I'm going to close by saying Thank you! Thank you everyone for your prayers and support as I start this journey. You guys are amazing! I love you all so much... your kind words and support make this so much more enjoyable!

Besos!

The beginning

I want to see Jesus! And if I don't step out, how can He come in? If I dont give all of myself, my home, my love...how can He be magnified?

I am STEPPING OUT! And in a pretty big, uncomfortable, exciting, life-changing way!

As some of you know, since graduating, I have been working on my international teaching certification. Well, I am almost done with that and I have been looking at several different places that I think I would like to teach at. I received an official offer from a school in Jaco, Costa Rica, so it looks like that will be where my journey begins. I'll be leaving in a little over a week! I'm getting more excited as paper work comes in, and things become more final. I'll be teaching fourth grade English, math & science. Honestly, I don't think that any of this is real to me yet...When you dream about something for so long, and your dreams are happening in front of you, well...it can be overwhelming. haha. But I know that God has a plan for me and that He will guide me. I know that His hand will be on me, and that brings me peace of mind. My hope is that He will use me in every way He can. Besides...Costa Rica?! Yes, please!

I am ready to offer all of myself to these people. I know that by teaching, I will learn. I will learn a new culture, a new language, new customs, new traditions, and so many other things. New friendships will be formed, and all while I get to do what I love. How great is that?

I've decided that a blog will be an easy way for me to share stories and experiences I have with everyone while I am away. I also think that one day I will look back and be thankful that I decided to write about this time. My mom also refuses to be a facebooker - so this is an easy alternative ;) Most of you know my family, and so you can imagine that although my parents are excited for me, they are also in protective mode...I am so grateful to have such a supportive family. It makes what I'm doing so much better knowing I have their blessing.

So, as I embark on this next chapter, I am excited. All I can say is USE ME GOD!! MEE MEEE MEEE!!!! USE MEEEE! :) I will post when I have more details.

Until next time! Love<3